Duke Farms

Bike Tours

Scenic Bike Tours

Scenic Bike Tours are a fun way to enjoy Duke Farms and are held on Saturday mornings once a month. 

These seven-mile guided rides will take you past our lakes, waterfalls, bridges and sweeping vistas.

Participants are required to bring their own mountain bikes and protective headgear for this tour. The leisurely-paced ride is suitable for all riders who can ride for two hours, unassisted. The ride includes both paved and gravel roads and does include some inclines. Bike seats or trailers are encouraged for younger or less secure riders.

Each group is limited to 20 people; the cost is $10 per person or $5 for children in a bike seat or a trailer.

Bike Tours will start at the Farm Barn/Orientation Center at 1112 Duke Parkway West.

Bike Tours will be held 8 to 10 a.m. on the following dates, please click on the date to register online:

Rain Dates

In the event of rain or inclement weather, rides are rescheduled for the following day at the same time.

Bike Tour Highlights

Orchid Range:  Constructed by noted greenhouse builders Lord & Burnham in 1899, this conservatory was once reserved for orchid growing. Today, Duke Farms has approximately 1,300 varieties of orchids, some of which will be on display at the Orchid Range Conservatory when renovation work is completed in 2011.

The Coach Barn:  Built in 1900, this was the first major farm building built at Duke Farms. It once housed J.B. Duke’s horses, coaches, business offices and an apartment for the chauffeur and features a five-story Norman clock tower that still chimes on the hour.

The Old Foundation:  This would have been the site of a grand mansion designed for J.B. Duke. On the tour, you will see the two-story basement of the mansion that was never built. Construction that began in 1909 was abruptly halted for unknown reasons in 1911.

The Great Meadow: Formerly a manicured great lawn, this area has now been planted with native grasses and wildflowers to help restore the natural ecosystem and benefit wildlife as part of our habitat regeneration efforts.